National Geographic reports scientists have discovered a new family of eel-like fish, named dragon snakeheads, living in subterranean waters in India. As you will see, there is already one member of the species named after a Tolkien character. We suggest the name ‘Smaug’ for this new worm-like dragon.
Apple News – National Geographic
This family includes only two species, one of which is named the Gollum snakehead, after the subterranean __Lord of the Rings character.
These strange, long-bodied fish, which dwell in aquifers of porous rock, are rarely seen, only coming to the surface after flooding from heavy rains. Britz says the family’s common name is fitting because “everyone who sees a photo of the fish is somehow reminded of a dragon.”
J.R.R. Tolkien (Photo by Haywood Magee/Picture Post/Getty Images)
Here are 3 questions to be answered in 3 minutes or less as part of The Tolkien Fandom Oral History Project; an inspired quest spearheaded by William Fliss, Archivist in the Department of Special Collections and University Archives of the Raynor Memorial Library at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
There is a new hotel in Spain that allows visitors to stay in hobbit holes, just like in the Shire! These hobbit houses can hold up to 6 people, are semi-buried and ecological. You can read more about it here. From the article:
Mi Tresoro, or My Treasure, has three semi-buried, grass-roofed apartments with space for six people each. They are bioclimatic, ecological and integrate perfectly into the natural environment. To complete the full Lord of the Rings experience, visitors can look forward to guided visits to fishing districts, ports, fish markets, brotherhoods and museums in the area. On the lake, customers may also opt for some recreational fishing, paddle surfing, kayaking and much more. Not a bad holiday, all in all—and certainly an easier ride than the poor Bagginses. There are no nasty Orcs or Dark Lords to fear here.
While this new hotel may not be as extensive as Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand, the hobbit holes in Spain allow you to not only go inside but spend the night. Time to add another stop to the Tolkien tourism list for after the pandemic!
Ian Holm as Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“I thought up an ending for my book: ‘And he lived happily ever after, unto the end of his days.'”
Farewell to Sir Ian Holm, our dear and beloved Bilbo Baggins. May you thrive in the far green country and be at peace. Thank you for sharing your marvelous gifts with us and for bringing to life a character so dear to thousands, if not millions, of hearts. At 88 years old, you were a long-lived hobbit indeed.
Born on September 12, 1931, Holm was an accomplished actor for both stage and screen. Among his accolades are a Tony Award in 1967 for Homecoming and he was nominated for an Academy Award for Chariots of Fire. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1953. He was considered a star of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
As a voice actor, he played Frodo in the BBC’s 1981 adaptation of the Lord of the Rings and returned to Middle-earth to play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Together with the rest of the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, he shared a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Holm reprised his role of “old” Bilbo in Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Our hearts go out to his family and friends for their loss while we also celebrate the life of and work of a very gifted actor.
May the below score by Howard Shore warm your heart as we remember our dear Mr. Baggins.
Mae govannen. Congratulations! You made it! You participated in the races and traversed Middle-earth, following in the footsteps of the Fellowship of the Ring. You emerged triumphant. Thank you for joining us. We hope your journey was both exhilarating and enjoyable. Namárië for now.
Congratulations! You are a true Rider (or runner, or maybe a walker). You answered the call to traverse the miles from Dunharrow to Minas Tirith. Here is your Finisher Certificate. Print it out and share a photo of yourself on our World and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien Facebook page, and tell us a tale of your adventures, or perhaps share a poem or song.
If you complete all four races by May 31, you can download a final additional certificate that shows you completed all four races. Congratulations again! We hope you had fun.
Certificate design/illustration by staff member Mithril (Nancy Steinman). Additional illustration by BSGStudio and freedesignfile.
